Lawfully Defended: The Lawkeepers Contemporary Romance Series, #2

By Elle E. Kay

Faith first. Job second.

FBI Special Agent Diego Campos finds himself falling in love with a local SWAT officer, Marguerite Kinicki. She's intelligent, beautiful, strong, and has a great sense of humor.

But she's not a Christian.

Sensing Diego's hesitation over their differing religious beliefs, Marguerite preemptively ends the relationship. That should be the end of it, but a dangerous case draws them together again.

Human traffickers are dropping bodies all over the city, and the task of stopping them falls to Diego. When the case takes a nasty turn, Marguerite and SWAT get involved again. Justice will probably prevail, but the defenders of justice don't always survive the conflict.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Faith Writes Publishing
• Release date: Jul 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9780999485651

Book preview

Books by Elle E. Kay

Faith Writes Publishing

Endless Mountain Series

Shadowing Stella

Implicating Claudia

Chasing Sofie

The Lawkeepers Contemporary Romance Series

Lawfully Held

A K-9 Lawkeeper Romance

Lawfully Defended

A S.W.A.T. Lawkeeper Romance

Lawfully Guarded

A Billionaire Bodyguard Lawkeeper Romance

The Lawkeepers Historical Romance Series

Lawfully Taken

A Bounty Hunter Lawkeeper Romance

Lawfully Given

A Christmas Lawkeeper Romance

Lawfully Promised

A Texas Ranger Lawkeeper Romance

Lawfully Vindicated

A US Marshal Lawkeeper Romance

Blushing Brides Series

The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride

The Bodyguard’s Fake Bride

Heroes of Freedom Ridge Series

Healing the Hero

A Christian Army Ranger Christmas Romance

Standalone Novella

Holly’s Noel

Lawfully Defended

A SWAT LAWKEEPER ROMANCE

Elle E. Kay

Copyright © 2018 Elle E. Kay

The Lawkeepers Series © 2018 Jenna Brandt and Lorana Hoopes

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission

from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Faith Writes Publishing

266 Saint Gabriels Rd

Benton, PA 17814

ISBN: 978-1-950240-10-4

Introduction to the Lawkeeper Series

There's just something fascinating about a man wearing an emblem of authority. The way the light gleams off that shiny star on his badge makes us stare with respect. Couple that with a uniform hugging his body in just the right way, confidence, and mission to save and protect, it's no wonder we want to know what lies underneath. 

Yes, what echoes deep inside those beating hearts is inspiring. Certainly appealing. Definitely enticing. Although those ripped muscles and strong shoulders can make a woman's heart skip a beat—or two—it takes a strong, confident person to choose to love someone who risks it all every day. Anyone willing to become part of a lawkeeper's world might have a story of their own to tell. 

The undeniable charisma lawmen possess make all of us pause and take note. It's probably why there are so many movies and TV shows themed around the justice system. We're enthralled by their ability to save babies, help strangers, and rescue damsels in distress. We're captivated by their ability to protect and save, defend the innocent, risk their lives, and face danger without hesitation. Of course, we expect our heroes to stay solid when we're in a mess. We count on them for safety, security, and peace of mind. From yesterday to today, that truth remains constant. 

Their valor inspires us, their integrity comforts, and their courage melts our hearts—irresistibly.  But there's far more to them than their courageous efforts. How do they deal with the difficulties they face? Can they balance work and life? And how do they find time for love outside their life of service? 

We want to invite you on a journey—come with us as we explore the complex lives of the men and women who serve and protect us every day. Join us in a fast-paced world of adventure. Walk into our tight-knit world of close friendships, extended family, and danger—as our super heroes navigate the most treacherous path of all—the road to love. 

The Lawkeepers. Historical and modern-day super heroes; men and women of bravery and valor, taking love and law seriously. A multi-author series, sure to lock up your attention and take your heart into custody. 

Join our mailing list.

The Lawkeepers is a multi-author series alternating between historical westerns and contemporary westerns featuring law enforcement heroes that span multiple agencies and generations. Join bestselling authors Jenna Brandt, Lorana Hoopes, Elle E. Kay, Evangeline Kelly, Ginny Sterling, and more as they weave captivating, sweet, and inspirational stories of romance and suspense between the lawkeepers—and the women who love them.

The Lawkeepers is a world like no other; a world where lawkeepers and heroes are honored with unforgettable stories, characters, and love.

** Note: Each book in The Lawkeepers series is a standalone book, and part of a mini-series of sorts, and you can read them in any order.

This book is dedicated to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Chapter 1

Sergeant Fitzpatrick stood in front of the candidates with his usual scowl in place. Marguerite tried to read her boss’s expression, but knew it was pointless. This was the third time she’d attempted to make SWAT. The first time she’d scored a 97 on the range, the minimum to be a candidate. The second time she scored a 99. She’d outpaced the men when it came to rappelling and excelled at negotiating. Unfortunately, when it came time to drag a 200 lb. dummy across the desert, she’d failed. Twice. Today she had faced that challenge a third and final time. She hadn’t wanted to get bulky, so she didn’t lift much weight, but this year she’d trained harder than ever before. After hours of practice dragging weight across rocks, dirt, sand, and stream, she was sure that this time she’d passed the test. The real question was did she want it or was she simply proving to herself that she could keep up with the men? It didn’t matter unless she secured her spot on SWAT. If she was selected, she wondered if the men would be willing to accept her on their team.

Despite being outdoors, the smell of sweat and dirt hung in the air. Fitz voice boomed loud and clear, calling names to step forward. As the front row was dismissed, she felt that familiar knot in her stomach from concern that she too might be sent home. Holding her breath, she counted in her head to slow her heart rate.

The three of you who remain are now on SWAT. You will report for basic SWAT course at six o’clock Monday morning. If you’re going to be late, don’t bother showing up.

Marguerite released the breath she’d been holding. This was it. After years of hard work, she’d finally made SWAT.

Fitz continued If you make it through training, you will report to SWAT leader, Seth Jacobs for duty. You’re training agent will give you the details you’ll need.

On her way to the parking lot, she pulled out her cell and dialed her pal, Brady. I did it.

Seriously? You made SWAT?

She grinned. I did.

Hold on a sec. The line got quiet for a moment. Then she heard Brady’s muffled words. Justine, Mar made SWAT.

Marguerite couldn’t stop grinning and Brady’s excitement only increased her own.

Brady continued. Justine wants to celebrate. Meet us at the coffee house? Fifteen minutes?

I’ll see you there. It felt good to have friends who wanted to share in her victory.

A throat clearing behind her got her attention. I’ve got to go. I’ll see you shortly, Marguerite said.

Congratulations. Fitz held out his hand to shake hers.

Thanks, boss.

I wanted to touch base with you.

Okay.

Governor Campos is counting on you. You know I don’t play politics, and I hate to mention it, but it was made clear to us that a woman needed to pass. And soon. Today is a day for the record books. You are the first woman to make the Arizona DPS SWAT team.

Did I pass on my own skill? Or did they put me through despite my scores?

That’s why I wanted to talk to you. You may hear talk that you didn’t pass muster on your own, but it’s not true. You and Bob Masters scored the same. José Ruiz was two points behind you.

I would’ve passed without the Governor’s influence?

Yes. You succeeded on your own. You’ve got this. Keep that in mind.

Thanks, boss.

I don’t want to see you back in the squad room. You’re going to have to work harder than the others to keep this assignment.

I know, sir.

I’m confident you’ll do well. Fitz turned and walked back toward the station.

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BLACK VULTURES CIRCLED overhead as Agent Diego Campos knelt beside the body of the young woman discovered an hour earlier by farm workers in the lettuce fields. From the level of decomposition, she’d been there for some time, but the smell of rotting flesh remained potent.

There was another body dumped in Maricopa County earlier this week. I talked with the sheriff out there and we thought it was time to bring in the feds. Sheriff Lorenzo pulled his baseball hat down lower.

We’ve got to catch this butcher. The rookie deputy standing beside the sheriff said, following his statement up with a string of expletives. A look from his boss quelled his tirade.

I only hope we can be of help, Sheriff. The breeze picked up and tumbleweed rolled by. A flash of white paper caught Diego’s eye. What’s that by the tumbleweed? You think you can catch up to that? He directed his question to the deputy.

Yes, sir. I’ll check it out. The rookie ran off in the direction of the litter.

"The kid is Deputy Davis. Joined us last year. He’s a hot head, but he’s a decent cop.